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Trausnitz, Josef

Date of birth:
April 6th, 1916 (Muhr/Tamsweg, Austria-Hungary)
Date of death:
September 28th, 1995 (Salzburg, Austria)
Nationality:
German (1933-1945, Third Reich)

Biography

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Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Awarded on:
September 12th, 1942
Eisernes Kreuz 1. Klasse
Period:
Second World War (1939-1945)
Rank:
Oberfeldwebel
Unit:
3 / Ski-Pionier-Batallion.85 / 1.Ski-Jäger-Division
Awarded on:
November 3rd, 1944
At the end of September 1944 the 1. Ski-Jäger-Division began fighting in the area of the Ozenna and Dukla passes, where fighting conditions were defined by mud and rain. Trausnitz had conquered an important patch of high ground with his men, and the Soviets in turn tried several times to retake it with infantry and artillery. At one point, after a German MG had been knocked out, they were finally able to break into the position with SMG troops. Trausnitz responded with lightning speed, launching a counterthrust with 11 men and ejecting the Soviet forces in bitter close combat. For his successful holding of this important position he was awarded the Knight's Cross.

Decoration: 3969
Ritterkreuz des Eisernen Kreuzes

Sources

Photo